New Zealand's business confidence has shown a significant upturn in the fourth quarter of 2025, as gauged by the latest New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) survey. The business confidence index surged to 48% in Q4, up from a modest 18% in Q3 2025. This remarkable 30% increase reflects growing optimism across the sectors regarding the country's economic outlook.
Released on January 12, 2026, the updated data indicates a renewed sense of positivity amongst New Zealand businesses, likely buoyed by favorable economic policies or market conditions that developed in the interim months. This rise can be viewed as a promising sign for the forthcoming fiscal period, suggesting potential increases in investments and business expansion efforts.
As this significant boost gives rise to new expectations, stakeholders across various industries will undoubtedly watch the economic performance in the forthcoming quarters, eager to capitalize on this confidence upswing. The underlying factors contributing to this shift will be of keen interest, as businesses and policymakers aim to harness this momentum to foster sustained economic growth in New Zealand.